Brazil has emerged as a significant player in the global cryptocurrency market, particularly in cross-border trading. In a recent report by the Central Bank, it was revealed that the majority of Brazil’s cross-border crypto trade is facilitated by exchanges that buy coins overseas to sell domestically. This article delves into the key findings of the report, highlighting the growth and dynamics of Brazil’s cross-border crypto trading landscape.
The report highlights that the cross-border flow of cryptoassets in Brazil has experienced significant growth in recent years. Within this context, the authors note a substantial increase in transactions between Brazilian residents and non-residents, primarily in the form of imports. In 2017, these transactions were almost negligible, but by 2022, they had reached a staggering $7 billion.
While the trading volume between Brazilian residents and non-residents has grown, the report also emphasizes the dominance of domestic financial and non-financial companies in cross-border crypto trading. According to the authors, these entities represent 99.7% of the trading volume, while the share of international transactions conducted by Brazilian individuals is a mere 0.3%.
Trading platforms play a crucial role in Brazil’s cross-border crypto trading landscape. They are responsible for the majority of coin-buying activities and serve as intermediaries between international sellers and domestic buyers. These platforms enable Brazilian users to access a wide range of cryptocurrencies from abroad, contributing to the growth of cross-border trading.
The Central Bank started publishing monthly data on crypto import and export in 2017 to monitor capital flows in the sector. The data reveals significant fluctuations in trading volumes. For example, in August 2023, the recorded volume was $184 million, but it dropped to $45 million in September and slightly increased to $55 million in October. November saw a remarkable surge, with volumes rising by 85%. However, the data for December 2023 is yet to be published at the time of writing.
It is important to note that the Central Bank’s data primarily relies on information provided by crypto exchanges. This means that peer-to-peer (P2P) and over-the-counter (OTC) trading, which are popular in Brazil, are not adequately accounted for in the report. Therefore, the actual trading volume and dynamics could differ from the presented figures.
While the value of trading may have decreased since the peak of the bull market in 2019, the report indicates a rise in adoption and activity among Brazilian individuals and firms. In 2019, they executed 18.8 million cross-border crypto transactions, whereas in 2022, the number skyrocketed to 68.7 million transactions. This surge in activity reflects the growing acceptance and integration of cryptocurrencies in Brazil’s financial ecosystem.
Brazil’s prominence in the cross-border crypto trading landscape has not gone unnoticed by global players. Coinbase, one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges globally, has identified Brazil as a central area of focus for its expansion plans. This recognition by established industry players further solidifies Brazil’s position as a thriving market for cryptocurrencies.
The Central Bank report sheds light on Brazil’s evolving cross-border crypto trading landscape. While exchanges dominate the market, Brazilian residents and companies are actively participating in cross-border transactions. The growth of this sector attests to the increasing adoption of cryptocurrencies in Brazil’s financial ecosystem. However, it is crucial to consider the limitations of the data and the influence of P2P and OTC trading in accurately understanding the true extent of Brazil’s cross-border crypto trade.
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